1974 Lotus Other

Coupe

Twin Cam

Manual

Clear

Gasoline

1974 Lotus Europa Special Edition If you’re looking at this gem, you must know the Lotus Legend. This is a special car, for a lot of reasons; 56,700+/- miles, third owner (possibly fourth*), in very original condition. California car when new. Sports the original Lotus wheels in good condition. Original steering wheel too. The wooden dash was replaced with great care (looks near unto perfect, lovely thing actually). Fresh rebuilt motor (strong runner!). Full set of proper keys, and all the badges look perfect. No history or evidence of collision or impact, just normal wear and tear- as is to be expected. 1974 is the last year for the Europa, and carries the “SE” designation, with the legendary ‘twin cam’ motor. (Note: the Europa Workshop Manual is included in the sale- photo of same further down in this description.) Please pardon that I did NOT latch the trunk lid when taking the photos. It is NOT gewopped, just not properly latched shut. Mia Culpa- bad photographer blunder. There are a few things that would need ‘getting after’ to make it a show winner. Carefully selecting the basic cosmetic issues, and preserving the 'original' aspects, the new owner can have some fun and reward from accomplishing it. Of course, there's always receiving it just as it is and enjoying it for what Mr. Chapman, CBE intended! The details can be attended to in due time. [Nothing about it now keeps you from driving it when you get it- for a long time.] The 'office' (shown below) is a snug and comfortable environment to dash to the grocery (remember- pizza in the back, ice cream up front), or take off for a weekend driving through country roads traversing hill and dale. The original seats show a wonderful patina of wear, with no rips or tears. I wouldn't do anything to them- that 'look' cannot be fabricated artificially. Some hide oil and a good lathering up is all that should be done. Preserve that patina! As stated, the motor is a fresh rebuild. No particular reason for doing so (no failure or problem existed), it was just a natural progression to pay homage to a thirty eight year old car. The original SU's were rebuilt at the same time and perform quite well. I have a short video to share, it’s a ‘walk-around’ view, to provide interested parties a ‘feel’ of actually being there with the car. Listen to it start and run too. I even have door open and close sequence so you can hear how 'tight' the car is. (Can send video or point you to a drop box where you can get it- too big to post in the listing- please enquire.) This is a detail shot of the area under the headlamp. Gelcoat is chipped away, and you can see the fiberglass webbing exposed. I have a detail shot of the nearly same condition under the right side turn signal (shown in listing photos.) The right front fender arch shows the gelcoat separating from the glass form underneath (also in listing photos). Again, I have high resolution detail shots to share (any and all)- just ask and I'll send them to you. OH YEAH- those are the original pin stripes! Almost never see that these days. The asking price is $38,500.00 USD. Open to near offers. It’s one well worth the hard look at acquiring. Very good original condition. I like to use the word 'unmolested', as in- it's not been 'got after' by a well meaning 'restorer'. What needs to be done is relatively simple and straight forward. In the hands of a knowledgeable expert, this gem could be 'polished' to a "high lustre" - certainly for show quality. As an enthusiast of Mr. Chapman and the Lotus line of Sports Cars you obviously appreciate this model. The Europa represents a fine example of the apex, or the 'heyday', of a particular time/place in the annals of great driving cars. Nimble and balanced, the Special Edition was a wonderful car to drive and enjoy. It is also an exemplary expression of simple and effect styling, low slung and purposeful. They held their own in SCCA racing here Stateside (though this one was never raced.) [Pardon me waxing poetic, I'm an old (old) sports car guy and have always found these Europa's fascinating.] This original Workshop Manual goes with the car to the new owner. I have about 100 images of the car to share. Just picked a few for showcasing here. I'd be glad to share them all (on a CD, or can make a 'drop box' for getting them). Didn't get the underside photographed, but can- please request that and I'll make it happen. Same goes for any specific detail shots you may require- I want to be as forthcoming and supportive as possible. [I do not mind sharing them with image collectors, so it's okay to ask for them.] *(as it pertains to lineage of ownership; when purchased -from California owner- he stated he was the second owner. Thereby, it is presumed this car has been owned by three different people since 1974- but, there are no specific records of that available. It has been owned by present owner for more than 10 years, and used sparingly for pleasure driving on good days.)